The application period for this program has closed. Check back in late summer/early fall for updated program information.
Details on this page apply to the past round of funding.
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) audits and certifications help growers and handlers implement food safety plans that enhance the integrity of our food supply. This cost-share program is funded through the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Fund.
Eligibility
Growers and handlers certified to USDA GAP/GHP standards by an accredited certifier are eligible for a maximum of three years if:
- Certification was awarded or continuing between May 16, 2025, and May 15, 2026; and
- The address on your certificate is in Minnesota.
Eligible expenses include review, inspection, and administrative costs charged by the certifying agency between May 16, 2025, and May 15, 2026.
Ineligible expenses include costs to prepare for certification, such as installing hand sinks and drains or hiring a contractor to oversee the plan.
Third party certification is required to become GAP/GHP certified. For more information, questions, or to schedule an audit, call 651-201-6067 or visit the Fruit and Vegetable Inspections webpage.
Amount Available
Certified growers and handlers are eligible to receive reimbursement of 75% of their GAP/GHP certification costs (maximum reimbursement of $2,000). Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applying
Submit your application by May 31, 2026. Include:
- 2025-2026 GAP/GHP Cost-Share Application (PDF)
- IRS W-9 "Request for Taxpayer ID and Certification" (PDF)
- Proof of certification
- Copies of invoices issued by the certifier
Mail to:
MDA GAP/GHP Cost-Share/AMD
625 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55155-2538
The information provided as part of the AGRI Good Agricultural Practices/Good Handling Practices Certification Cost-Share application will be used to assess the applicant’s eligibility to receive payment under the AGRI Good Agricultural Practices/Good Handling Practices Certification Cost-Share program and to fulfill applicable financial reporting requirements. Completing this application is voluntary; applicants are not legally required to provide the MDA with the information requested, but only completed applications will be considered. While much of the information applicants provide is classified by Minnesota law as public, some of the information may be classified by law as private or nonpublic at the MDA. Data classified as private or nonpublic will be accessible only to MDA employees and contractors that have a work assignment that requires access to the data, and to other entities authorized by state or federal law to receive the data. The MDA may be obligated to provide the data to law enforcement, the Minnesota Department of Administration, Minnesota Management and Budget, the Office of the State Auditor, or the Office of the Legislative Auditor. Finally, private data about you may be released to third parties through your informed consent, or pursuant to a valid court order or federal subpoena.
Internal Revenue Service Code Section 6109 requires applicants to provide their correct taxpayer identification number to payers who must file information returns with the IRS. The MDA will use the information provided on the applicant’s W-9 form in order to report payments received as part of the AGRI Good Agricultural Practices/Good Handling Practices Certification Cost-Share to the IRS. The IRS uses the numbers for identification purposes and to help verify the accuracy of the applicant’s tax return. For more information on how the information provided on a W-9 may be used, refer to the Privacy Act Notice on page 6 of the W-9 form.
